Nicole Scherzinger has joked that she deserves to get a cut of One Direction's earnings for putting them together, and has at least been hoping for some free merchandise.

The former X Factor judge was behind matching up the show's solo auditionees Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne into the hit boyband One Direction.

Asked by Heat about their massive success Nicole replied: "I can't believe I put together the group and then I'm at Walmart buying One Direction bags for my nieces. Like, something is wrong with this picture. Can you guys please send me a box of One Direction goodies? Somebody help me out here.

"Not only do I not get a cut, but now I'm buying bags for my nieces, with the boys' faces on it. I was like, 'What?'."

Nicole also offered her advice for the boys: "Enjoy it, and just keep your family and loved ones around you to keep you grounded through all this.

"And make sure you talk to your management and tell them to give me a cut of it. Where's my cut? Seriously? I'm a giver, what can I say? I gave the world One Direction."